How to Visit Reims and Épernay from Paris: The Ultimate Champagne Day Trip (or Weekend) Guide
Dreaming of a sparkling escape from Paris? Reims and Épernay, the twin capitals of Champagne, are less than two hours away and perfect for a day trip or a leisurely weekend. Whether you prefer the high-speed TGV, a scenic self-drive, or a stress-free guided tour, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit to France’s most effervescent wine region.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to travel from Paris to Reims and Épernay, the best time to go, must-see sights, Champagne house tours to book, and smart itineraries that fit real schedules. You’ll also find practical tips, approximate costs, and tasting etiquette to help you sip like a pro.
Why Visit Reims and Épernay from Paris?
- World-class Champagne houses: From Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger in Reims to Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët in Épernay.
- UNESCO heritage: Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame), the Champagne hillsides, houses and cellars, and the Avenue de Champagne.
- Easy access: High-speed trains and well-maintained highways make travel simple and quick.
- Unique experiences: Ancient chalk cellars (crayères), vineyard viewpoints, and charming wine villages like Hautvillers.
How to Get from Paris to Reims and Épernay
1) By Train (Fastest and Easiest)
Paris → Reims: TGV high-speed trains from Gare de l’Est reach Reims Centre in about 45 minutes. Some services stop at Champagne-Ardenne TGV (30–40 minutes), with a connecting tram into the city (about 20 minutes).
Paris → Épernay: Direct TER regional trains from Gare de l’Est take roughly 1h15–1h25. You can also connect via Reims (Reims → Épernay is ~25–35 minutes by TER).
- Tickets: Book via SNCF Connect or Trainline. Typical one-way fares: Paris–Reims €16–€45; Paris–Épernay €12–€25. Best prices often appear 1–3 months ahead.
- Pros: No traffic, fast, eco-friendly, and perfect for tastings (no designated driver needed).
- Cons: You’ll rely on taxis, local buses, or walking between Champagne houses.
2) By Car (Most Flexibility)
Driving gives you complete control over vineyard stops and small producers.
- Paris → Reims: ~145 km via A4; about 1h30–1h45 depending on traffic.
- Paris → Épernay: ~130–140 km via A4/A344 or N3; around 1h30–1h45.
- Parking: Metered street parking or garages in both city centers; avoid driving after tastings—use a designated driver or taxi/ride-hail locally.
3) Guided Day Tours from Paris (Zero Planning, Maximum Tastings)
Shared small-group tours and private drivers depart Paris daily. Many include 2–3 tastings, cellar visits, a vineyard stop, and time for the Reims Cathedral or Avenue de Champagne.
- Prices: Small-group from €150–€250 per person; private from €600+ per car.
- Pros: All logistics handled, safe tastings without driving, insider access to boutique producers.
- Cons: Fixed schedule, less freedom to linger.
4) Intercity Bus (Budget-Friendly)
Coach companies like FlixBus connect Paris and Reims in roughly 1h45–2h15. It’s cost-effective but less frequent than trains and less convenient for Épernay.
Quick Transport Comparison
| Option | Time | Typical Cost (RT) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TGV/TER Train | 45–90 min each way | €30–€80 | Fast, car-free tastings |
| Guided Tour | 10–12 hrs total | €150–€250 pp | Hands-off, curated visits |
| Car (A4) | 1h30–1h45 each way | €40–€100 fuel+tolls | Flexibility, villages |
| Bus | 1h45–2h15 each way | €20–€40 | Budget travel |
Best Time to Visit Champagne (Reims & Épernay)
- May–October: Peak season, vineyard greenery, more tours. Book Champagne houses in advance.
- September (Vendanges): Harvest time can be magical but busy; some houses limit visits.
- November–March: Quieter and good value; fewer tours on Sundays/Mondays; shorter hours.
- Weekdays vs. Weekends: Tuesday–Saturday offers more availability. Many houses close for lunch (typically 12:00–14:00).
Top Things to Do in Reims
- Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims): Gothic masterpiece where French kings were crowned; stained-glass by Chagall.
- Palace of Tau: Archiepiscopal palace-turned-museum with coronation treasures.
- Basilica of Saint-Remi: Romanesque-Gothic basilica with a tranquil cloister.
- Champagne Houses: Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Ruinart, Lanson and others offer guided cellar tours in ancient chalk pits (crayères).
- Food & Markets: Try pink biscuits of Reims (biscuits roses), regional charcuterie, and Michelin-listed bistros.
Top Things to Do in Épernay and Nearby Villages
- Avenue de Champagne: UNESCO-listed boulevard lined with maisons like Moët & Chandon, Mercier, and Perrier-Jouët.
- Champagne Tastings: Blend a big house with a small grower (récoltant-manipulant) for contrast.
- Hautvillers: Picture-perfect village associated with Dom Pérignon; wrought-iron signs, hillside views.
- Pressoria (Aÿ-Champagne): Interactive museum about Champagne’s senses and terroir.
- Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park: Vineyard panoramas, forest walks, and the Verzenay Lighthouse/Ecomuseum.
Suggested Itineraries
One-Day Champagne Day Trip from Paris (By Train)
- Morning TGV to Reims: Arrive around 9:00–10:00.
- Reims Cathedral & quick coffee: 45–60 minutes.
- Late morning cellar tour: Book Taittinger, Pommery, or Veuve Clicquot (allow 1.5–2 hours).
- Lunch: Brasserie or wine bar near the center.
- Afternoon TER to Épernay: 30 minutes. Stroll Avenida de Champagne; book a tasting at Moët & Chandon or a boutique house.
- Early evening train back to Paris from Épernay (direct) or via Reims.
One-Day Champagne Route (By Car)
- Depart Paris early: Drive to Reims (1h30–1h45).
- Reims highlights: Cathedral and a morning cellar tour.
- Scenic drive: Reims → Verzenay (lighthouse viewpoint) → Hautvillers (walk and lunch) → Épernay.
- Avenue de Champagne: Afternoon tasting; consider a grower in Aÿ or Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.
- Return to Paris: Or overnight locally if tasting.
Two-Day Weekend in Champagne
Day 1 (Reims): Cathedral, Palace of Tau, and two cellar tours (one large, one boutique). Dinner in the historic center.
Day 2 (Épernay & villages): Avenue de Champagne, Pressoria in Aÿ, vineyard viewpoints, and sunset in Hautvillers before returning to Paris.
How to Book Champagne House Tours
- Reserve 1–3 weeks ahead in high season (longer for marquee names).
- Many houses require punctual arrival; tours last 60–90 minutes with a tasting.
- Expect €25–€75 per person depending on house and number of cuvées; boutique growers can be €15–€30.
- Check language of the tour (English/French) and whether children are allowed.
Sample Day Trip Budget
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip Train (Paris–Reims/Épernay) | €30 | €80 |
| Two Cellar Tours + Tastings | €40 | €120 |
| Lunch (bistro) | €18 | €35 |
| Local Transfers (bus/taxi) | €8 | €30 |
| Souvenir Bottle | €25 | €60 |
| Total (per person) | €121 | €325 |
Practical Tips for Visiting Reims & Épernay
- Plan around Sundays/Mondays: Many Champagne houses are closed or run fewer tours.
- Book trains early: SNCF releases many TGV fares 2–3 months ahead; flexible tickets cost more but can save the day.
- Comfortable shoes: Cellars are cool (10–12°C) with stairs; bring a light layer.
- Lunch break gap: Schedule tours mid-morning and mid-afternoon; use 12:00–14:00 for a leisurely lunch.
- Shipping Champagne: Houses often ship internationally; check rates and import allowances. If flying, pack securely and verify airline rules.
- Designated driver: If you’re driving, spit during tastings and consider limiting alcohol or hiring a driver.
Champagne Tasting Etiquette
- It’s okay to spit—spittoons are provided and it’s standard practice.
- Avoid strong perfume/cologne to keep aromas pure.
- Ask questions about grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Meunier, Chardonnay), dosage, and ageing on lees.
- Respect the schedule: arrive 10 minutes early and keep to tour times.
First-Hand Experience: A Perfect Sparkling Day
On a recent day trip, I caught the 8:30 TGV to Reims and was sipping my first flute by 10:15 in Taittinger’s majestic crayères. After a quick bistro lunch near the cathedral, I hopped a short TER to Épernay and strolled the Avenue de Champagne under vine-clad hills. A late-afternoon tasting at a family-run grower in Aÿ showed a totally different style—more terroir-driven and intimate. I made the evening train back to Paris with a bottle carefully wrapped in my tote and just the right kind of glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a day trip to Champagne from Paris worth it?
Absolutely. With fast TGV trains, you can fit two cellar tours, a cathedral visit, and a stroll along Avenue de Champagne into a single day.
Should I choose Reims or Épernay?
Reims is a larger city with monumental heritage and many famous houses. Épernay is smaller, centered on the Avenue de Champagne, and close to vineyard villages. If you can, visit both.
Do I need to book Champagne tours in advance?
Yes—especially from May to October and on Saturdays. Walk-ins are rare at the big maisons.
Can I visit small grower-producers?
Yes, but appointments are essential. Many speak English and love sharing their craft; it’s a great way to discover value and character.
What if it rains?
Cellars are underground and tours run rain or shine. Bring a light jacket; cellars stay cool year-round.
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Conclusion: Clink Glasses, Not Schedules
Visiting Reims and Épernay from Paris is one of the easiest and most rewarding trips you can take. Choose the TGV for speed, a guided tour for ease, or a car for flexibility, and pair iconic maisons with boutique growers for a well-rounded tasting. With a little planning—especially around tour reservations and transport—you’ll savor Gothic grandeur, chalk-carved cellars, and the world’s most famous bubbles in a single sparkling getaway. Santé!